Many New Jersey houses built before the 1980s have 100 amp service, and plenty of older ones have 60. That was generous when the biggest load was an electric range. It is tight for a house with central air, a heat pump, an induction cooktop and a car in the driveway that needs charging.
Signs the panel is at its limit
- Breakers trip when two large appliances run together
- Lights dim when the air conditioner starts
- There are no free slots, or tandem breakers have been squeezed in
- The panel is a fuse box, or a brand with a poor safety record such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco
What 200 amps gives you
A 200 amp service has the capacity for an EV charger, electric heating and cooling, a kitchen upgrade and a finished basement, with room left. It also gives you a new panel with modern breakers and proper grounding.
What the work involves
An electrical panel upgrade to 200 amps normally replaces the meter socket, the service cable and the panel. The utility disconnects and reconnects the line, and the town inspects the work. Power is usually off for most of one day.
Alternatives worth knowing about
If the service is big enough but you are simply out of breaker spaces, a sub panel may be all you need. If you still have fuses, start with fuse box replacement. And if you are not sure what you have, an electrical inspection will tell you.
What affects the cost
The main factors are the service size, overhead versus underground service, the panel's location and any corrections needed to old wiring at the panel. Find an electrician in your town on our locations page and ask for a written quote.
EV Charger Installation near you
We offer EV charger installation in every town we serve, including Clifton, Woodbridge, Newark, Edison, Toms River and Jersey City. See all locations.
Quick answers
How do I know what size service I have?
Look at the main breaker at the top of the panel. It is marked 60, 100, 150 or 200.
Can I add an EV charger on 100 amps?
Sometimes, with a load calculation and a load management device. Often the better long-term answer is 200 amps.